note… I actually wrote this before Hurricane Sandy, and don’t intend it to be any statement about the hurricane or its aftermath.  thanks for understanding.

New York City surprises me. The people are all wearing clothes – trendy clothes – Expensive clothes. They speak in English, with varying east coast accents. They are friendly and helpful. They do not push me in front of moving trains or try to trick me into going to their cousin’s store. They tell us our subway stop when they overhear our conversation on the train, they offer recommendations of restaurants and bars, they compliment us on our dresses for no apparent reason.

New York City trains have signs written in english. They have LED displays showing the next train departure time. There are no piles of garbage or vomit or poop on the trains and I don’t see anyone getting mugged at gunpoint or beaten by malicious cops. People are carrying shopping bags and purses, and playing with their iPhones. No one is stealing the iPhones and running away with them! No one is chaining their purse to their leg!

New York City taxis have meters! I don’t have to pre negotiate my fare. The taxi has a GPS navigator showing where we are going so I know I am not being deceived! The taxi even advertises to me in the backseat and allows me to pay with a credit card!

New York City restaurants serve edible food! I don’t have to inject a thermometer in my meat or reject my fresh vegetables or inspect my ice for possible home-made characteristics. I can even eat slightly undercooked eggs and fresh squeezed orange juice!

New York City businesses have bathrooms available – and I can use them for free! They have toilet paper and electricity, and the toilets flush and have toilet seats! The sink has hot water and soap! The doors have hinges and locks!

Contrary to my expectations, New York City is not a third world country.